Exercise, Empathy and the Equestrian

The combination of a full time career that included travel, while simultaneously pursuing my MBA initiated my second bout with weight gain a decade after my first.  I had given up riding due to lack of time and the added pounds were a direct result of a sedentary lifestyle and late night eating to keep me awake while studying. Finally, after about five months on this schedule, I started running again.  Instead of running casually after work or at 6 am, my alarm would wake me at 4:30 am. I also joined a running group that met at 6:30 am on Saturdays and procured a coach to meet once a week to teach me proper training. I also managed to garner a lottery spot in the New York marathon, which created a goal that any runner would be crazy to pass on.  The extra pounds peeled off, although I must admit I did not understand the value of nutrition as I do now and I was not quite as lean as I have become since cutting out the majority of sugars and processed foods from my diet. The biggest result, though, was I became a much better horsewoman for reasons you would not guess.

While the health benefits for myself were significant, of much larger importance was what distance running taught me about being a better horswoman. My own experiences taught me firsthand how we need to show our equine partners empathy and compassion.

• Soreness/ Muscle Fatigue:  During horse shows, I now understand how imperative it is that my horse has days off and receives massage and chiropractic care to relieve the soreness that comes from exercise on varying surfaces for extended periods of time.  I can’t begin to tell you the soreness that results in my joints, hips and back when I run on hard or uneven ground, especially when the distance is longer than my weekly routine. At home, my horse’s legs receive a liniment application after each big lesson day and if I personally need temporary relief from an injury, I resort to Advil.

• Clearing the Mind:  Often times during my career, if I didn’t have afternoon meetings, I would change at my office and hit the greenbelt that passed in front of our building.  I would run for an hour just to clear my head and I would almost always return invigorated.  Horses need the same mental breaks. Hand walking and turnouts are incredibly important to any program.

• Proper shoeing: Mid training for my first marathon, I developed pain associated with my IT band. One visit to the running store fixed the issue. The owner of the store analyzed my foot, had me “trot” down the sidewalk, and placed me in a shoe with proper orthotics. Within a few days I was running again. The investment in proper shoeing is critical to your horse’s comfort and ultimate performance.  I will never cringe at another expensive horse shoeing invoice again, especially knowing from first hand the pain of an ill fitting shoe.

• Mainenance for the Rider: I am the quintessential working professional amateur. My horse is kept at a trainer 3 hours from my home so my riding time is limited.  George Morris is absolutely correct that riding is an athletic sport. I wore a heart monitor one day during a lesson over fences and I was shocked at the spike in my heart rate. For this reason, staying physically strong is imperative to the success of both horse and rider. By cross training with running and yoga, I am well prepared for the rigors of my “boot camp” lessons as my cardiovascular system is strong and my core and balance are better prepared for jumping.  It is not the perfect solution to riding every day, but I know I am ready to give 100% during my lessons without fatigue. I use a Fitbit Flex that wirelessly syncs to my IPhone and laptop to track my physical activity during the week to ensure I am meeting my goals.

• Maintenance for the Horse: The thing about a marathon is that you cannot fake training. Mile 18 of 26.5 will literally bring you down. Horses are athletes and they require the same type of consistent program to perform at their peak.  At most barn, there is a board that lists the exercise and schedule of each horse. Always keep your horse on a regular exercise schedule, even if it means hiring a competant exercise rider if you are stuck at the office.

• Cross training:  I practice hot yoga, which strengthens my core, improves my balance, stretches my muscles, centers my mind and is of great assistance for acclimating to riding in hot weather. I understand this is not for everyone, but it works perfectly for my needs and love for for equitation. Last year, I traveled to Kentucky where the weather was extremely hot and humid. Even wearing my hunt coat, this change in climate was no problem as my body was totally prepared from training in the heat in a studio.  

• Cleanliness: Can you imagine going to the gym, perspiring and then putting on the same clothes the next day? That is exactly what you are doing to your horse if you do not clean your tack and maintain your linens including saddle pads and polo wraps. Clean you tack after each ride and if you have a groom, help them out if they are busy. Salt encrusted headstalls and girths are disgusting, not to mention it is bad for the leather.

• Equipment: Invest in proper equipment for both you and your horse. For your horse, I am a stickler for a well fitting saddle, a girth that doesn’t irritate, and proper saddle pads. For myself, I gravitate towards socks specific for running and fabrics that don’t irritate or hold (candid, here) odor. Visit the KMThornton & Co. Marketplace for some of our favorite tried and true choices from Fitbit, Nike and Lululemon.

We are athletes. Our horses are athletes. We need to treat our bodies and our equine partners with compassion and empathy. I guarantee that by following these guidelines, the results will be beneficial!

  Salut!

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